Persistence of Frost_A Thought & Memory Short by Chris Kim

Author:Chris Kim
Language: eng
Format: epub

That evening, after the conference ended, Erik demonstrated how a wizard can turn liquid water to snow using chokmah and thermodynamics inside Shock’s hotel suite bathroom. Then he encouraged Michael to try. Michael, after a few false starts, made the shower run with puffs of snow.

“Good job, Michael. Your control is improving,” said Erik. He then turned to Jean. “Looks like my cousin’s right. Serves me right for thinking people can’t learn.”

“Just memories, then?” said Jean.

“Just memories,” Erik sighed. “That doesn’t mean he’s fine. Just not as bad as being possessed.”

“Intermittent symptoms resembling schizophrenia or dissociative identity disorder?” Shock guessed.

“For starters. For us wizards, the universe is the limit.” Erik sighed again. “Heaven alone knows what a child who has the knowledge and power of a fully grown wizard will do.”

Then Erik made a wordless beckoning gesture at Jean. When she came over, he said in a low voice:

“I need to take Michael to the wizard sanctuary Julia runs. I can vouch for its quality and safety, but I’m loathed to separate him from you.”

Jean didn’t stop to think. “Do they mind not-wizards?”

“All wizards and family members of wizards are welcome. It’s very kind of you to offer, Jean, but…” Erik flicked his gaze away for a second, “Once you enter, you might find it difficult to leave. Not because we stop you. It’s just ... time runs differently inside the sanctuary. A minute there could be a decade here, and an hour here could be a century there.”

Jean swallowed. “That’s fine. As long as it takes to help him settle.”

Erik’s eyes welled up. “What about your family? Friends, boyfriends, girlfriends, significant others?”

“My dad’s dead. My mom and sister will kill me and bury me in a shallow grave when they find out. But they won’t be surprised.” Jean shrugged. “Other than that... No SOs, no boyfriends, and all my friends are idiots who spend too much time on social media. Before you ask, yes, I’m willing to quit my job.”

“You realize he’s not your responsibility,” Shock said when Jean returned to his side.

“Eavesdropping, now?” Jean replied lightly.

Shock scowled. “This is serious. Keep going this way, and you might get arrested for kidnapping a minor. That’s a federal crime. And it’s only been three days. Too short to make life-changing decisions.”

“You think?” Jean elbowed him. “Worried that my terrible life choices will tarnish your reputation? You know after tomorrow I’m no longer your bodyguard, right?”

Shock looked stricken and even hurt. Shock cared about her, Jean realized with a start. Why, she couldn’t even begin to guess.

“Hey, I know you’re telling me this because you’re worried,” said Jean. “Don’t be. I’m a big girl. I know what I’m getting myself into.”

“Do you?” Shock challenged.

Jean drew in a deep breath.

“I know I’m putting my whole life in jeopardy to be the illegal mom of a child who will likely have severe mental problems for the rest of his life. If or when the world finds out, everyone will mock or demonize me. The FBI will be after my sorry ass.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.